Native run club and growing viral fitness phenomenon MADE Running made a bit of local history this past weekend by teaming up with JD Sports and Nike to host the first-ever 5k race inside The Trafford Centre.
Yes, you read that right – and this is just the start…
Many of us have wondered what it would be like to see what the iconic Greater Manchester shopping destination is like after it closes, but in our case, these lot genuinely realised a childhood dream of ours: opening up the place for just you and your mates and running full tilt through its stunning, shiny halls.
In the case of MADE, they’re no strangers to shutting down major Manc thoroughfares with the hundreds that flock to their regular running meets throughout the week.
As for the landmark 5k run in and around The Trafford Centre, a huge turn-out of runners started outside the JD megastore on Sunday 8 February, before looping around the interior, through the food court, out into the car park and back inside – even more came out, and from all over.
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The event was put on thanks to JD, in celebration of their new ‘We Run This City’ campaign, showcasing Nike Performance products.
The new range includes ‘running basics, just better’, three head-turning running shoes – the Vomero Plus, the Vomero 18, and the Pegasus Premium – and athleisure pieces that slip seamlessly into your daily wardrobe.
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This latest JD and Nike campaign has been created to keep the motivation and momentum of the new year going well into 2026, with ‘the looks to run this city’.
And as part of the campaign, JD teamed up with MADE Running for the Trafford Centre run event over the weekend, which had people gathering from all over – elsewhere in the North West, the Midlands, Scotland, London and even as far as Dubai.
It’s an emotional event that perfectly captured the spirit of the Nike collection and of Manchester, with founder Hermen Dange telling the assembled runners that he was in prison just a few years ago, and now the balance of good fortune, humility and the drive to be better has transformed their lives, and continues to do the same for so many.
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Fast forward to today, and he’s met with theNike CEO and his ever-growing crew are decked out in one of the hottest running shoes around right now, the ‘Vomero’, with more height and (most importantly) more comfort.
Following plenty of pre-event festivities, including a live DJ, shoe try-ons and impromptu dance-offs, the elite runners got underway, followed by hordes of others who aren’t just putting their work ethic through its paces but had an incredibly fresh start time, with people arriving from as early as 6:30am.
Not only is this way earlier than most parkruns up and down the country, but seeing such commitment from Mancs and many other attendees en masse was genuinely inspiring.
That pretty much sums up everything you need to know about what Hermen and co. have created, to be honest. You only had to see how people looked and listened to his emotional speeches before and after the run.
The run’s warm-up was quickly followed by another motivational speech to cheer runners on, with plenty of hugs and even tears shared.
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MADE Running’s journey is a mad one, not least because of the countless people who’ve helped make it happen, and with Hermen informing those who travelled all manner of distances that the hope is for this to be just the first of several similar events, the inaugural MADE Running UK tour was officially teased.
Watch this space and keep your eyes peeled for dates coming soon.
And you can browse the full Nike ‘We Run This City’ with JD HERE.
A free wedding show is returning to the spectacular Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall
Daisy Jackson
A beautiful wedding show is returning to the Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall next month, and it’s totally free to attend.
Rochdale Wedding Show (RWS) will bring together 40 different suppliers, showcasing everything from flowers and wedding cars to catering and cakes.
There’ll be food tastings, live music, and breathtaking wedding fashion to get stuck into when the event returns to Rochdale Town Hall on Sunday 17 May.
Organisers Rochdale Borough Council have brought together a huge line-up of businesses to help couples get inspired and organised for their big day.
Companies will be showing off the latest trends in bridalwear, menswear, and everything in between when it comes to wedding fashion.
Then you’ll be able to meet and browse suppliers for your flowers, your wedding transport, photography, venue dressing, cake design, hair and make-up, entertainment, jewellery, music, decorations, and even lighting.
And even if you’re in the very early stages of planning, you might be able to find your perfect wedding venue at the Rochdale Wedding Show, along with masses of inspiration to get started.
Many suppliers will be offering exclusive ‘show only’ offers on the day too, so you could make some big savings.
Experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions, whether you’re looking for something traditional, a more contemporary theme, or a civil ceremony.
If the surroundings of RWS have caught your eye, good news – you can get married at the Rochdale Town Hall itself, and you will be able to take a look around the building on the day.
That includes the accommodation inside the nearby Rochdale Register Office, which includes a 70-seat ceremony room, the Red Rose Suite, which holds marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.
Classic and contemporary wedding cars will be on display at Rochdale Wedding ShowEnjoy a taste of wedding bands and DJs at Rochdale Wedding ShowA complimentary glass of fizz and canapes will be served to guests on arrival.Hair and beauty experts will be at Rochdale Wedding ShowToastmaster Alan CalowLooking for inspiration? At the show there will be many ideas for things you may not have even considered having at your wedding, yet!Meet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersExperts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questionsThe bar on the first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktailsMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersCompanies will be exhibiting the latest collections and trends in bridal wear, formal menswear and everything in betweenVisitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurantRochdale Wedding Show will be in the stunning Rochdale Town Hall, itself a popular wedding venue
Guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of fizz and canapes, and in between wedding planning, visitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurant, where there’ll be hearty Sunday roasts with all the trimmings on offer.
The first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktails, including a Passion Fizz, Blushed and Frisky, and Love Bite, plus other drinks and snacks.
Events manager Charlotte Preston says: “Rochdale Wedding Show is the ultimate afternoon out for anyone looking to look at their options ahead of the big day.
“Whether you are in the early stages of planning or your wedding is rapidly approaching, this is a must-attend event to get ideas and inspiration, meet the experts and relax with friends and family.”
No need to book tickets, entry is free, just turn up and browse – you can find out more HERE.
National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom trail returns with dozens of Bloomtown events this spring
Emily Sergeant
The blossoms are blooming everywhere you look, and the National Trust’s popular Bloomtown programme is back once again.
Each spring, the most beautiful blossom covers the UK in swathes of pink and white.
From ornamental magnolias in gardens to hawthorn scattered across the countryside, you really don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of this season, as there’s plenty of blossom to discover right on our doorstep in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re walking through the city centre on your way to work, enjoying a spot of lunch in the park, or going on a little local adventure with your family, the National Trust’s interactive Bloomtown map is filled with more than 50 of the best places to see blossom – with trails that will take you on a journey through several floral hotspots.
You can follow the Bloomtown Trail everywhere from Manchester city centre, to Salford, Trafford, Rochdale, and Stockport, or get creative and use the map to explore and create your very-own route.
The National Trust’s popular Manchester blossom and Bloomtown trail has returned this spring / Credit: The Manc Group
That’s not all either, as the National Trust has also organised a whole host of themed events and activities to help you appreciate the blossoms in all their glory.
You can get involved in everything from walks and bike rides, to poetry, dance, storytelling, creative workshops, and so much more at hotspots like Castlefield Viaduct, Dunham Massey, and Lyme Park.
Bee Pedal Ready are hosting a series of Bloomtown bike rides – including one this weekend (Saturday 25 April, followed by others in May) – where you can bring your own bike or borrow one for free and explore some of Manchester’s best blossom-lined routes.
A special Blossom-themed parkrun will take place at Heaton Park next weekend (Saturday 2 May), or there’s also a hands-on ‘blossomify your kit’ workshop at the park’s Lakeside Cafe this Saturday (25 April) morning too.
One of the most creative events on the lineup has to be the poetry and writing walks through the city’s pocket parks and green spaces, where you’ll be given a related writing prompt at each blossom stop.
First timers and experienced poets alike are welcome of the event on late May bank holiday Monday (25 May).
Bloomtown then ends in a finale weekend with dance performances and music created from the electrical signals of plants on Saturday 30 May at Castlefield Viaduct (booking required), as well as a free celebration for all ages on Sunday 31 May at The Whitworth Art Gallery – featuring blossom-themed storytelling, arts and crafts, bike rides, free books, drumming, dance, and more.
The Bloomtown programme is underway until 31 May, and you can find out more about all the themed events and book your tickets on the National Trust website here.
Danny Jones -
10th February 2026 
